Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hedgehog Garden Habitat Creation

Garden hedgehogs face habitat fragmentation and food shortages. Simple garden modifications can create vital corridors and feeding areas for these declining mammals.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by up to 50% since 2000
Garden fences are a major barrier to hedgehog movement
A 13cm hole in fences creates effective hedgehog highways
Log piles and leaf litter provide essential foraging habitat
Slug pellets and garden chemicals harm hedgehogs indirectly

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehogs in fragmented urban landscapes struggle to find food, mates, and hibernation sites. Garden connectivity reduces the energy cost of movement and increases access to resources, directly improving individual welfare and population viability.

What You Can Do

Create a hedgehog hole in your garden fence
Build or buy a hedgehog house for hibernation
Stop using pesticides and slug pellets
Record hedgehog sightings with the People's Trust for Endangered Species